In her life, Geiman, 43, of Manheim Township, has been affected by people struggling with mental illness, domestic violence, homelessness and suicide attempts, as well as loss in her own family.

"I was having such a struggle because my heart goes out to all of these things, but how can I help everyone?" Geiman said.

It was after she met Kevin Hines, one of 36 people to survive jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge, at the National Conference for Behavioral Health that she understood the power of a hug.

She waited in line to meet him, and after she chatted with him and shared her story, he asked her if he could give her a hug. He hugged her for 22 seconds, which some say is a key length to enjoy the health benefits of a hug.

"He impacted me," Geiman said.

She was also disgusted by some "heart-breaking" homophobic posts in local Facebook groups. She realized that everyone, even the people who posted the comments on Facebook, can benefit from a hug.

"It is an opening to talk to people, for them to open up," Geiman said.